Ein innovativer Ansatz für die Induktion und Messung von Akuten Stressreaktionen: Entwicklung, Evaluierung und Anwendungspotential eines Digitalen Stress Tests

Acute stress is linked to a variety of negative outcomes, including increased risk for mental and physical diseases, and reduced quality of life. Effective induction and accurate measurement of acute stress responses are important for both research and clinical purposes. Traditional methods rely on laboratory-based stressors, which can be costly, time-consuming, and impractical for large-scale studies or real-world applications. Measurements in outside-the-lab settings mostly reflect subjective stress levels while objective and feasible measures of biological stress consequences are scarce. This thesis aims to overcome these limitations by linking traditional psycholog-ical stress research with innovative computer science methods. First, covered by a published study, the concept, development and online evaluation of a new Digital Stress Test (DST) for the induction and video-recording of acute stress responses are presented. In this study, the first prototype of the DST was tested in a large and experimenter-independent online study with 284 participants. Results show that the DST could induce significantly higher levels of perceived stress and negative affect compared to the control condition. Going beyond this study, further developments of the DST and a pre-registered follow-up validation study are outlined. In this study, participants perform the DST and the gold standard laboratory stress induction paradigm Trier Social Stress Test while their physiological stress responses are evaluated. Lastly, the potentials of using the DST to contribute to the development of video-based stress detection methods are critically reviewed. Therefore, a follow-up online study for collecting a video dataset is outlined and, based on the results of a further already published study, the applicability of baseline machine learning algorithms for video-based stress detection discussed. The findings in this thesis imply several potentials of the Digital Stress Test: First, the DST is applicable as a tool for inducing acute stress responses in outside-the-lab settings and thus making more ecologically valid and scalable stress studies possible. Secondly, it also allows for gathering videos capturing stress-related behavioral data in real-world scenarios and therefore supporting the development of reliable stress detection algorithms. Finally, this thesis may present the DST as an invitation for promoting open and collaborative research in the interdisciplinary field between psychology and computer science.Akuter Stress ist mit einer Vielzahl negativer Auswirkungen verbunden, einschließlich einem erhöhtem Risiko für psychische und körperliche Erkrankungen sowie reduzierter Lebensqualität. Eine wirksame Induktion und genaue Messung akuter Stressreaktionen ist sowohl für Forschungs- als auch für klinische Zwecke relevant. Traditionelle Methoden setzen auf im Labor durchgeführte Stressoren, die kostenintensiv, zeitaufwendig und unpraktisch für groß angelegte Studien oder Anwendungen im alltäglichen Leben sein können. Messungen außerhalb des Labors spiegeln meist das subjektive Stresslevel wider, während objektive und alltagstaugliche Methoden zur Messung von biologischen Stressfolgen fehlen. Diese Dissertation zielt darauf ab, diese Einschränkungen durch die Verbindung traditioneller psychologischer Stressforschung mit innovativen Methoden der Informatik zu überwinden. Zunächst wird die veröffentlichte Studie über das Konzept, die Entwicklung und die Online-Evaluation eines neuen Digitalen Stress Tests (DST) für die Induktion und Videoaufzeichnung akuter Stressreaktionen vorgestellt. In dieser Studie wurde der erste Prototyp des DST in einer großen und experimentatorunabhängigen Online-Studie mit 284 Teilnehmenden getestet und konnte im Vergleich zur Kontrollbedingung signifikant stärkeren wahrgenommenen Stress und negativen Affekt auslösen. Über die Studie hinausgehend werden Weiterentwicklungen des DST und eine prä-registrierte Validierungsstudie skizziert. In dieser zusätzlichen Studie führen die Teilnehmenden den DST und das Goldstandard-Stressinduktionsparadigma Trier Social Stress Test durch, wobei Daten zu physiologischen Stressreaktionen erhoben werden. Abschließend wird das Potential, den DST für die Entwicklung von videobasierten Stresserkennungsalgorithmen zu nutzen, kritisch überprüft. Dafür werden Pläne einer weiteren Online-Studie zur Erstellung eines Videodatensatzes skizziert und, basierend auf den Ergebnissen einer weiteren bereits veröffentlichen Studie, die Anwendbarkeit von Grundlagenalgorithmen des maschinellen Lernens für die videobasierte Stresserkennung diskutiert. Die Ergebnisse dieser Dissertation zeigen die vielfältigen Einsatzmöglichkeiten des DST auf: Zunächst kann der DST zur Induktion akuter Stressreaktionen außerhalb des Labors angewendet werden und somit ökologisch valide und skalierbare Stressstudien ermöglichen. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht er die Sammlung von Videos, die stressbezogene Verhaltensdaten in realen Szenarien erfassen und unterstützt damit die Entwicklung von zuverlässigeren Stress-Detektionsalgorithmen. Zusammenfassend können diese Dissertation und der DST als Einladung zur Förderung offener und kollaborativer Forschung im interdisziplinären Bereich zwischen Psychologie und Informatik dienen

Perceptions and Attitudes of Dietetic Program Educators Regarding Use of Distance Education and Computer-Based Simulations in Dietetics Education

Distance education (DE) can address barriers to training nutrition professionals by offering a convenient, flexible and efficient way of learning. One particularly valuable teaching tool in DE is the use of computer-based simulations (CBS). CBS stimulates confidence building, acquisition of new knowledge, exposure to new and challenging patient cases in a safe learning environment, development of communication and critical thinking skills, and the cultivation of sensitivity towards patient needs. Despite the benefits, there is a lack of research examining dietetic educator’s perceptions of and experience with CBS. Goals of this study were to determine: 1) whether dietetic program educators were open to the idea of using CBS and how these responses varied in relation to different factors, and 2) dietetic program educators’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers of using CBS. Secondary data analyses were conducted on a15-item survey developed by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Surveys contained two qualitative questions and 13 quantitative questions related to CBS. Surveys were e-mailed via the ADA listserv to 535 program directors, including Dietetic Internship Programs (DI), Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP), Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD), and the Dietetic Technician Programs (DT). A total of 165 individuals responded to the survey. The majority of respondents were open to the use of CBS (n=117) and a small number were not open (n=24). Respondents open to CBS were more likely to 1) not prefer face-to-face communication with their students and colleagues 2) currently be using online case studies and simulations 3) be using standardized patients in supervised practice 4) believe that dietetics education needs alternatives to traditional supervised practice such as CBS 5) believe that they have IT and financial support from their administration 6) have medical simulation laboratories available for dietetics students 7) believe that they had the technological skills needed to use CBS. Educators commented on the potential for CBS to address the shortage of preceptors and facilities available for supervised practice, in addition to enhancing and expediting learning in various settings. Perceived barriers, included the idea that technology impedes learning and a concern about the resources needed to implement CBS. Understanding the perspectives and practices of education program directors is a crucial component of furthering the process of incorporating CBS into nutrition education. This is exciting new terrain for nutrition education and moving forward with research in both distance education and CBS will be beneficial to enhancing nutrition and dietetics education in DE, traditional classroom settings and in supervised practice

Internet für Jung und Alt

Das Internet ist aus vielen Bereichen unseres täglichen Lebens kaum mehr wegzudenken. Menschen jeder Generation nutzen das Internet. Vor allem die Anzahl der älteren NutzerInnen nimmt ständig zu. Die Frage die sich dabei aufdrängt ist: Gibt es Unterschiede wozu und warum Personen verschiedenen Alters das Internet verwenden? Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist, Unterschiede in zwei Altersgruppen von InternetnutzerInnen zu untersuchen. 347 Personen zwischen 55 und 91 Jahren wurden mit 372 Personen zwischen 17 und 30 Jahren verglichen. Die beiden Stichproben wurden im Rahmen von zwei Online-Untersuchungen erhoben. Die TeilnehmerInnen wurden zu Ihrer Internetnutzung, Lebensqualität und den psychischen Bedürfnissen befragt. Die Lebensqualität wurde mit dem WHOQOL-BREF und die psychischen Bedürfnis nach Autonomie, Kompetenz und Verbundenheit mit der Basic Psychological Needs Scale von Deci und Ryan (2000) erhoben. Die Berechnungen der Unterschiede wurden mit Kruskal-Wallis-Tests, U-Tests nach Mann und Whitney sowie Chi-Quadrat-Tests durchgeführt. Für die Zusammenhangsberechnungen wurden Korrelationen nach Spearman herangezogen. Es ergaben sich signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Altersgruppen bezüglich der Häufigkeit von Internetnutzung und Nutzungsdauer pro Internetsitzung. Weiters konnten Unterschiede bezüglich der Lebensqualität und in den Bedürfnissen zwischen den Altersgruppen beschrieben werden. Es bestehen nur geringe Zusammenhänge zwischen Internet-Aktivitäten und den Bedürfnisskalen sowie Internet-Aktivitäten und Lebensqualität. In beiden Altersgruppen wird die Frage, ob die Nutzung des Internets die eigene Lebensqualität verbessert, positiv beantwortet

Understanding the role of demographic, perceptual and personality factors in the use of mobile data services

Conventional telecommunication technologies, characterised by wires and fixed locations, are rapidly giving way to mobile data services (MDSs). Recent technological developments have opened up possibilities for various applications of MDSs. This thesis specifically focuses on two promising MDS applications: mobile banking (m-banking) and mobile learning (m-learning). It signifies an important step in the testing of theories related to demographics, perceptions and personality traits in the use of MDSs, through three studies. In Study 1, which examines the digital divide in the use of MDSs, I analyse the effects of gender and age differences on the usage of MDSs. An online survey was disseminated in the United Kingdom (UK), and completed responses were received from 2,000 mobile phone users and non-users on both sides of the divide (i.e., with or without access to mobile information and communication technologies (IeTs)). I developed eight hypotheses and used logistic regression and chi-square tests to test them. My findings demonstrate that men are more likely than women to use MDSs, and that young people are more likely than their older counterparts to use MDSs. The study contributes to the literature on MDSs by highlighting the issue of the digital divide. The study also provides insights to MDS providers and policymakers on how to develop and promote MDSs for different socio-demographic groups. In Study 2, I examine m-banking which is regarded as a killer application amongst all MDSs. This study has two parts. In Study 2 (Part I), I present a literature review of, and a classification framework for, the existing m-banking literature. Sixty-five articles related to m-banking were published in major journals and presented at conferences between January 2000 and June 2010. They belong to various disciplines, including information systems (IS), technology innovation, management and marketing. Study 2 (Part I) classifies these articles into five main categories: (1) m-banking overview and conceptualisation; (2):) m-banking applications and cases; (3) m-banking behaviour; (4) m-banking infrastructures; and (5) m-banking strategic, legal and ethical issues. Several new research questions that could yield valuable results in the m-banking field are given, including a fundamental question on users' switching behaviour from other banking channels to m-banking which is examined in further detail in Study 2 (Part II). In Study 2 (Part II), I develop a model that is anchored by expectancy theory and validate it using data collected from 493 mobile phone users in order to predict intentions to switch to m-banking. I chose the m-banking context because recent advances in mobile devices have made m-banking an attractive option for banks and mobile service providers; however, consumer demand for m-banking is low. The findings suggest that perceived mobility, relative advantage and self-efficacy are positively related to user intentions to switch banking channels. Perceived complexity is negatively related, whereas perceived financial resources and risk are not related to intentions to switch. Study 3 examines another key MDS, m-leaming which proposes to use a text messaging service as a tool to stimulate learners' activities. It examines whether learners' personalities influence their reactions to accessing course materials through m-learning messages. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was used to categorise learners into different personality groups. After conducting a field study with 217 students, it was found that learners of different personalities showed different levels of activities when receiving m-learning messages

Consumer intent to disclose personal information in ecommerce: a comparison of Estonia and the United States

2014 Fall.An online survey conducted among participants in the US (n=248) and Estonia (n=225) examined willingness to disclose and perceived risks pertaining to disclosing personally identifying information (PII, also referred to as personal data in Europe) in ecommerce, as well as attitude toward disclosure in general, and anxiety disclosing personal data. Additionally, the study investigated how willingness to disclose and perceived risk of disclosing personal data were affected by demographic variables, trust in the Internet and trust in institutions, the Big Five personality dimensions found in the psychology literature (neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion), and four sets of perceived shopping benefits (opportunity benefits, bargain benefits, purchase benefits, and expected privacy benefits). Despite Estonia's advanced adoption and progressive policies and practices toward the Internet, Americans were more willing to disclose, exhibited more positive attitudes, demonstrated less anxiety, and were less concerned about perceived risks. For Estonians, ecommerce experience, perceived purchase benefits, and trust in the Internet and institutions were significant predictors of willingness to disclose personal data. Americans who perceived purchase benefits were found to be the most likely to disclose PII, while Americans with lower levels of education were also more willing to disclose. The study utilized a 17-item list of potential disclosure items (name, email address, etc.) and showed these can be categorized reliably into six sub-indices: contact information, payment information, life history information, financial/medical information, work-related information, and online account information. Further, a reliable efficient, 20-item scale was developed that can be deployed in future studies investigating the Big Five personality traits. Online disclosure consciousness (ODC) was introduced as a framework to conceptualize and empirically measure the gap between one's willingness to disclose and perceived risk pertaining to the overall 17-item index used in the study, the sub-indices, and particular items. Using 7-point Likert-type measures, the results showed significant gaps among participants both within and across nations. A 5-scenario online disclosure consciousness model is presented to explain the tradeoffs involved in making a disclosure decision, with absolute willingness to disclose and absolute perceived risk on the two extremes and theoretical midpoint where the two competing motivations cancel themselves out. Changes in a person's position along the continuum are posited to be influenced by marketers' initiatives, personal experiences, and external factors. Implications for theory, consumers, marketing practice, and public policy are discussed. The findings suggest that willingness to disclose and risk aversion can and should be analyzed empirically together. Thus, the ODC model provides an alternative conceptualization to the ideas of the privacy paradox, privacy calculus, and privacy cost-benefit ratios found in the literature. The study suggests consumers have a responsibility to educate themselves about online disclosure practices and how to protect their privacy. The findings also suggest marketers and policy makers should recognize that data disclosed online are not all equally sensitive to consumers. However, fostering trust, reducing risks, and promoting benefits are essential to the future of ecommerce

To Tell or Not to Tell: Predictors of Disclosure and Privacy Settings Usage in an Online Social Networking Site (Facebook)

Use of social networking sites has grown exponentially over the last decade. Facebook, a popular social networking site, currently boasts membership of over 500 million users (www.facebook.com). In the present research, four studies were conducted to examine factors that impact on self-disclosure and privacy settings use. The primary goal for Studies 1 A, B and C involved developing methods for organizing and understanding the information that individuals disclose through social networking sites. Specifically, in Study 1 A, a scoring tool was developed in order to comprehensively assess the content of the personal profiles. In Study 1 B, grouping categories (default/standard information, sensitive personal information, and potentially stigmatizing information) were developed to examine information pertinent to identity threat, personal and group threat. Finally, in Study 1 C, an alternative grouping strategy was developed to include all information present in Facebook, organized as a function of the content that was presented. Overall, these studies indicated that approximately 25% of all possible information that could potentially be disclosed by users was disclosed. Presenting personal information such as gender and age was related to disclosure of other sensitive and highly personal information as well as greater disclosure. As age increased, the amount of personal information in profiles decreased. Those seeking a relationship were at greater risk of threat, and disclosed the greatest amount of highly sensitive and potentially stigmatizing information. Study 2 examined whether giving participants stories to read that did or did not alert participants to potential dangers of disclosure and the media context (electronic or hard copy formats) impacted on disclosure and privacy settings use. In addition, the predictive power of gender and the virtual other (the audience in mind) was also examined. Females disclosed less sensitive information than males after reading a personal privacy invasion story. Disclosure was less when the target for whom the information was being posted was the same gender as the participant, and more when the target was the opposite gender of the participant. Disclosure of specific content areas also differed by gender of the discloser. Only 20.3% of participants employed privacy settings. When a virtual audience consisting of referents other than friends or the self was in mind, use of privacy settings increased. Lastly, participants who filled out Facebook profiles on paper-and-pencil disclosed more as compared to their online Facebook counterparts. Overall, these findings shed light on some of the factors that may be related to over-disclosure, and help to identify those users who are at particular risk when online. In addition, these studies examined a relatively novel but highly important area, privacy settings and the factors that relate to use. The notion of the virtual other is one that demands further examination and may prove useful in understanding how and why people choose to share highly personal information online, and most importantly, employ privacy settings